Tomima's Blog - Lingerie & Underwear Experthttp://www.tomima.com
(un)covering what's under everythingMon, 22 Jun 2015 09:36:28 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.6What Caitlyn Jenner Needs to Know About Buying Lingeriehttp://www.tomima.com/2015/06/05/what-caitlyn-jenner-needs-to-know-about-buying-lingerie/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/06/05/what-caitlyn-jenner-needs-to-know-about-buying-lingerie/#commentsFri, 05 Jun 2015 18:47:23 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5341With Caitlyn Jenner’s transition in the news, I thought it would be a good time to address some of the wardrobe challenges faced by transgender women and cross-dressers, especially when it comes to lingerie. Women’s lingerie is designed very specifically for a woman’s body. You might even say it’s engineered for the female body. But you can use all of the information on our product pages and in our lingerie guide for men to help you find well-fitting bras, panties and shapewear.

When you measure for a bra, you’ll be measuring for both band and cup size, and you may find that you need plus-size bras to accommodate the band size. Don’t despair–we offer a huge variety of plus-sized bras and each product page gives you detailed information abut how the bra fits. The HerRoom Fitter’s Comments on each product will help you understand the dimensions of the garment. Push-up bra product pages even give you the thickness of the padding as well as an image of the inside of the cup.

Panties are more straightforward, with the hips being the most important measurements when determining size and fit. In our experience, many customers prefer low-riding cuts with higher leg openings. Customers have frequently asked which brand or style has the widest crotch. This measurement is pretty much universal since all manufacturers follow the same grading. Again, our product pages give you enough information to find the best fit.

Shapewear is more a little more complicated. Start by choosing a size that includes both waist and hip measurements. If you’re between sizes, choose the size that most closely accommodates both sizes. Here’s an example using the Rago Waist Nipper 821.

In this example,you would choose size 3X, since it’s the size that accommodates both measurements. Don’t size down in an effort to get more shaping. Manufacturers know what they’re doing and they construct shapewear to fit correctly. If you need to choose a size large enough for your waist that’s larger than your hip size, you may want to get the garment altered to provide enough hip support. In fact, alterations are always an option when a garment doesn’t fit perfectly. Get as close as you can to the right fit and let alterations take care of the rest. One more note about shapewear: it’s primarily designed for women between 5’4″–5’8″, so it may run short if you’re taller.

HerRoom also sells breast forms. As a rule, we sell these separately, since many woman need one form for use after breast surgery. So, please check the product description carefully to see if it’s sold singly or in pairs. There’s also really detailed sizing information in the Fitter’s Comments which explains how thick each breast form is in each size.

Our Live Chat and customer care fitting specialists don’t have special expertise in fitting men in women’s lingerie or in men’s lingerie, but the Lingerie for Men page I mentioned earlier has detailed information, product suggestions and feedback from male customers, which can really help you find the right garments. Between that and all of the information on our product pages, we think you’ll have everything you need to find exactly the right lingerie.

If you’re like most of us, your bra drawer is filled, not only with bras you wear all the time, but with mistakes, worn-out bras, styles that are uncomfortable or the wrong size, and other bras that make you wonder what you were thinking. It’s time to take inventory: throw out old, misshapen bras and bras that you know you will never wear. Then see what you’re left with. In truth, there are some bra styles that every women should own. Take this opportunity to see what bras your lingerie wardrobe is missing.

My new video describes ten styles–some are must-haves and others are nice additions. From everyday underwire bras through seamed bras, sexy bras, sports bras, minimizers and more, the video guides you through putting together the perfect bra wardrobe, with explanations and shopping tips. I hope this helps you make sure you have the right bra for every outfit and every occasion.

Once you watch the video, I’d love to get your feedback. Are there other bra styles you think are wardrobe essentials?

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/05/20/the-bras-every-woman-should-have/feed/0Once-a-Year Friends & Family Salehttp://www.tomima.com/2015/05/08/once-a-year-friends-family-sale/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/05/08/once-a-year-friends-family-sale/#commentsFri, 08 May 2015 20:55:34 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5322It’s time for HerRoom’s annual Friends & Family sale, which is one of our biggest sales of the year. It’s not often we’re able to offer almost every brand in a storewide sale, so this is a great time to stock up on the basics, buy gifts and maybe treat yourself to something special. This Friday-Monday, 5/8-5/11, use promo code FRIENDS20 during checkout for 20% off your entire order. Happy shopping!
]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/05/08/once-a-year-friends-family-sale/feed/0Heidi Klum’s New Lingerie Linehttp://www.tomima.com/2015/04/27/heidi-klums-new-lingerie-line/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/04/27/heidi-klums-new-lingerie-line/#commentsMon, 27 Apr 2015 21:01:32 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5311HerRoom is happy to announce we’re now carrying Heidi Klum’s new lingerie line, filled with sexy, fashion-model-worthy pieces. This line replaces the Elle MacPherson line and maintains supermodel style and brand appeal.

The new video that Heidi Klum has made to feature the brand does it justice. Scored with Sia’s “Fire Meet Gasoline,” the video features the model and Game of Thrones actor Pedro Pascal.

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/04/27/heidi-klums-new-lingerie-line/feed/0Bras for Older and Elderly Womenhttp://www.tomima.com/2015/04/10/bras-for-elderly-women/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/04/10/bras-for-elderly-women/#commentsFri, 10 Apr 2015 17:13:37 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5255Lately, I’ve had a lot of inquiries from women looking for help finding bras for their elderly mothers. I also hear from older women saying bras that used to work for them just don’t anymore. As we age, our bodies change in so many ways: breasts sag; underwires and tight bands become uncomfortable; we may have limited mobility or less dexterity in our hands; some of us develop stooped backs and other signs of age. With arthritis and other limitations, it may be impossible to hook a bra in the back or manipulate tiny hook-and-eye closures.

Some older women just give up on bras altogether. But they don’t have to! HerRoom has solutions that help older women find bras that will offer some support, be more comfortable and are easier to put on. As an added bonus, by lifting breasts up to where they belong, a woman can look more youthful and slimmer. Clothing will fit better, too. There are a few features that can make a difference:

Straps that adjust in the front–Strap adjustments on the back of a bra can be a bit difficult for anyone, so they become problematic for a woman with limited mobility. Even with less dexterity, many elderly women will be able to make adjustments themselves with straps that can be adjusted on the front of the bra.

Annette is known for post-surgery bras, but those same features also make them relatively easy to put on and adjust. This seamless bra has convenient front-adjusting straps.

Front close bras with extra large clasps–arthritic hands, failing eyesight or limited dexterity can make fastening tiny hook-and-eye closures, even on front-closing bras, a challenge. Front-closing bras with one or two large clasps are a better alternative.

Cottonique specializes in breathable cotton, latex-free bras that are gentle on the skin. This style has extra-large front clasps.

Bras with extra back support–with age, the spine can begin to curve and shoulders may become more rounded. Bras with features like crossover back design and shoulder support bands provide additional back support.

Although the hooks on the front of this Glamorise Magic Lift bra are not huge, the back support is a major plus. It can help with back pain and improve posture.

Soft cup, wire free bras–Older women often find underwires extremely uncomfortable. Wires dig into sensitive skin and, for women in wheelchairs or who sit most of the day, an underwire can ride up and poke breast tissue.This Grenier Easy Fit bra is not only easy to put on, but the soft wire-free cups are a pretty lace fabric. This bra also has fully-adjusting straps, great for petite women.

Front close bras with ties–This is a novel front-close solution. Not only is it adjustable by tying the closures looser or tighter, but it makes it easy for a caregiver to help an elderly woman get a bra on.

Bras with front zippers–usually more common on sports bras, a zipper is useful for women with limited mobility as well as for a caregiver who helps a woman dress.

Like some sports bras, this Valmont sports bra has a front zipper and also has smooth seams that are gentle on sensitive skin.

Speaking of sports bras, many of these close in the front and have other convenient features like wide straps and supportive backs. Sports bras may have the best support for elderly women. One note: if you choose a high-impact sports bra, be sure to go up a band size and down a cup size. Otherwise, the bra may be too constricting. This Anita Bra has the added advantage of front strap adjustments.

Leading Lady, a brand known for maternity and nursing bras, also makes supportive wire free sleep and leisure bras, many with front-closures.

In our culture, there’s a wrong-headed assumption that elderly women no longer care about their appearance and that discomfort is just one of those things we deal with in old age. Although we can’t stop Mother Nature’s changes, we can strive for ease of use and comfortable support. We’ve put together a collection, Bras for Women With Limited Mobility, that can make your life as a daughter or caregiver and the life of an elderly relative much easier.

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/04/10/bras-for-elderly-women/feed/0How’s That New Year’s Resolution Going?http://www.tomima.com/2015/03/23/hows-that-new-years-resolution-going/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/03/23/hows-that-new-years-resolution-going/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 18:16:21 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5205It’s Spring and I have to ask: how’s that New Year’s resolution going? According to usa.gov, the most popular resolutions include lose weight; quit smoking; volunteer; get a better job; exercise to get fit and save money.

Not surprisingly, those are also the ones most commonly broken. An article in Huffington Post says the reason most of us break New Year’s resolutions pretty quickly is stress, which causes us to do the very things we want to stop doing.

But, you could be among the 40% of people who actually keep their resolutions for at least six months and if so congratulations! Here are few suggestions to support and reward your efforts:

1. Is exercise on your list? Be sure you’re wearing a good sports bra. Breast tissue is delicate and easily damaged. A supportive sports bra that uses encapsulation or compression (or both) protects your breasts by minimizing breast bounce.Check out my Bounce Test videos to find the right sports bra for your new exercise regimen.

2. Have you stuck to your weight loss resolution and lost a few pounds? Did you know that your bra size can change with your weight? Your band size may go down, but that means you may also have to adjust for a different cup size, and vice versa. Don’t let this confuse you. Check out my Bra Fitting Videos, especially Mastering the Cup Size Game, and our Bra Fitting Guide. There’s a lot of useful information to help you find your new size.

3. Have you quit smoking, saved money, started a great job or done any of the other positive things you resolved to due this year? Reward yourself! How about a pretty lace bra and panty set? Or a silky camisole? Choose something just for you that will make you feel good when wearing it and remind you of your accomplishment. Browse through HerRoom’s new arrivals and buy yourself a little something.

For those of us who haven’t quite managed to stick to that New Year’s resolution, good news! There’s still plenty of time to start doing or stop doing whatever you promised yourself you’d do.

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/03/23/hows-that-new-years-resolution-going/feed/0We Get Email: HerRoom Reviewshttp://www.tomima.com/2015/03/07/we-get-email-herroom-reviews/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/03/07/we-get-email-herroom-reviews/#commentsSat, 07 Mar 2015 17:13:29 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5235I came up with the idea of HerRoom back in 1998 because women’s lingerie buying options were so limited. Department stores, shops and catalogs didn’t carry every size and color of a bra, nor did they offer a vast range of brands to choose from. I wanted to offer women a different shopping experience–one that would get them into their correct bra size, provide an outstanding selection and make lingerie shopping exciting instead of drudgery.

I also wanted to make it a special kind of experience, with lovely packaging, quick shipping and attentive customer service. The goal has always been to provide a one-stop shop for all of women’s lingerie needs. So, it’s wonderful when we get positive feedback from customers that shows us we’re accomplishing what we set out to do.

This note is to thank Her Room for your excellent service, wonderful website, extensive selection and amazing patience. I have placed several orders over the past few months in my search for a bra that fits my strange shape. I had a bilateral mastectomy in 2009; since then no bra has been comfortable, and I’ve gone for years not wearing one due to discomfort… I have worked through the Know Your Breasts tool, it is helpful.

Just want to suggest that you never close. This was the best shopping experience I have had in a long time! I received my order in a timely fashion and I will only shop with you. Your prices are better than elsewhere and I received everything I wanted. Just trying to say thanks!

I have just placed the order, but I would like to compliment you on all the “info” you have offered. I learned more from this webpage about bras and fitting and why they don’t fit etcThan I have learned in all my 59 years. ! THANK YOU. Thank you for doing what you do with excellence!!!

Love, love, love your universal sizing system for DD+! Placed my second order just a few days ago.Love your site, wonderful bra-measuring, clear modeling of bras, excellent prices, by far the best bra site I’ve ever used, just bought 6 bras from your site, a record for me! thank you!!!

Just wanted you to know that I’m a first time shopper on your site, and that I really loved your site layout and the way the information was displayed. It was SO EASY to find my size (and to check the sizing charts to double-check!), to read the reviews – by the selected criterion!, and to check the fabric info…I also appreciated the reminder at checkout that some of my items were on backorder, and would be sent later.

And kudos to our customer care and logistics teams as well.

… Every order has arrived on-time (quickly) and beautifully packaged. To say we are satisfied is an understatement for sure, but today your company (team) showed your true colors…First, I would like to tell you your team works quickly and seamlessly. Second, our orders to date have been received extremely quickly, packaged perfectly and in pristine condition. Third, we will continue to make our purchases from your web site for years to come. Fourth, you should be extremely proud of the team that you have assembled, it is an absolute pleasure doing business with your company… and THANK YOU ALL for your support!

Great service, on time,even backordered items arrived very much ahead of time.

Thanks so much for your very quick reply and resolution to my situation. I do realize it’s a small amount…..and I really appreciate your help.

Your service was exceptional, and I really appreciate the return shipping label sent with the product. What a time saver for you and me!

Thank you for being professional, quick and for actually having the product!

We’re always striving to provide the best shopping experience possible and I’m happy to hear that our customers agree.

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/03/07/we-get-email-herroom-reviews/feed/0Lingerie Patrol: 2015 Academy Awardshttp://www.tomima.com/2015/02/24/lingerie-patrol-2015-academy-awards/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/02/24/lingerie-patrol-2015-academy-awards/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 17:57:11 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5222It was a surprisingly quiet night for the Academy Awards Lingerie Patrol last night. I can’t remember the last time the red carpet showed so many beautifully dressed (and appropriately supported) stars. Aside from the glamor, some gowns were unusually demure, featuring high necks or barely a hint of cleavage. Cut-outs, thigh-high slits and lace seemed to replace glaring décolletage. Dresses with unusual necklines were also a hit, like the Alexander McQueen worn by Felicity Jones, Anna Kendrick’s crossover Thakoon halter top with just the right amount of bling, and Naomi Watts torso-baring halter. I’m still wowed by Lupita Nyong’o’s pearl-draped Calvin Klein.

Even the usual assortment of strapless gowns, with either straight or sweetheart necklines, showed no lingerie mis-steps. Curvy women like Zoe Saldana and Jessica Chastain looked well-supported and perky. Not only that, but those who wore form-fitting gowns, like Scarlett Johansson, Rosamund Pike, Julieanne Moore and Reese Witherspoon, looked smooth, sleek and beautifully fitted. In fact, Scarlett Johansson’s shapely hourglass figure must have had a little help from exactly the right type of shapewear. Although no one has filled me in on exactly what she was wearing under her Versace gown, here a few possibilities:

The exception to the modest neckline was, of course, J’Lo. I know this is her thing, but maybe it’s time for her to find another thing, like a daringly low back. The problem with such breast-baring fashion is that people probably spend more time looking at her breasts and trying to figure out just what the heck is keeping them in their place than they do listening to anything she has to say.

On the whole though, it was a great night for fashion!

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/02/24/lingerie-patrol-2015-academy-awards/feed/0Valentine’s Day Lingerie: What Do Men Really Like?http://www.tomima.com/2015/01/30/valentines-day-lingerie-what-do-men-really-like/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/01/30/valentines-day-lingerie-what-do-men-really-like/#commentsFri, 30 Jan 2015 19:22:15 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5164Valentine’s Day is like a little piece of spicy candy in the middle of the winter blahs. It’s a great opportunity to liven up a lingerie wardrobe (and a romance). Over the years, I’ve noticed trends in what women buy around this time of year and in what men buy for their women. We’ve also conducted a very informal survey of the men we know and, via the internet, men we don’t know, to see how they feel about sexy lingerie and what turns them on. So, if you’re planning to buy yourself a sexy something, here’s a little guidance.

Some men love sexy lingerie on a woman and some men simply don’t care. Browsing the Reddit conversations about it, I’d say men are divided about half and half on the subject. But those who do love lingerie have pretty strong opinions.

For example, men seem to love thigh-highs and garter belts. Whether fishnets or black seamed stockings, there’s something about these items that can really raise the temperature. Maybe it’s a genetic memory of the pin-up girls of the 40’s, maybe it’s the thought that lingerie like this speaks to a certain intention on your part. Whatever it is, it’s hot. Bonus points for sexy little boyshorts and, definitely, high heels.

Forgo the frilly pink ribbons and bows. Some men find that look too girlish and overwhelmingly prefer black. Black is sexy without looking like you’re trying too hard. Keep color simple; your body is the focal point here.

If you’d like to keep it to one or two simple pieces, but really want to wow him, try a shelf bra. This sexy style has underwires but scant or no cups, leaving the girls almost completely exposed. He won’t be expecting that under your work day cotton button-down. This style is best on women with smaller breasts.

Choose pieces that really fit your size and shape. As tempting as that delicate little bralette is, if you’re a DD+, you’ll be either really uncomfortable or spilling out, and not in a good way. Besides, there are lots of pieces that are flattering, sexy and comfortable. For example, men seem to love chemises, teddys and babydolls. There’s something about the combination of being both covered and accessible, with promises of thing to come, that men seem to find irresistible. Pair one of those with a thong or bikini to add some more mystery.

Men, as a rule, are pretty visual and one analogy I saw over and over was lingerie as the beautiful wrapping paper on a terrific gift. Your partner will also appreciate the element of surprise and mystery and the fact that you’ve worn this sexy outfit just for him. And bring the attitude to go with the outfit. As one Redditor commented, “that lingerie is a type of costume. You’ve got to actually work the lingerie, give it some personality. Just showing up in pretty underwear is nice, but bring the character with it.”

And what’s the most important thing you can wear? Men seem to be unanimous on this one: self-confidence. All the fishnet and lace in the world won’t matter at all if you’re not feeling it on the inside. The biggest turn-on? A woman who’s comfortable with her own body and clearly interested in what’s coming next.

So, on Valentine’s Day, by all means go for the sexy thigh-highs, the push-up bra or whatever makes you look and feel your best. But whatever you select, wear it like you mean it!

]]>http://www.tomima.com/2015/01/30/valentines-day-lingerie-what-do-men-really-like/feed/0How Smart is Your Bra?http://www.tomima.com/2015/01/09/how-smart-is-your-bra-2/
http://www.tomima.com/2015/01/09/how-smart-is-your-bra-2/#commentsFri, 09 Jan 2015 15:55:21 +0000http://www.tomima.com/?p=5144Every once in a while I see an article about a proposed earth-changing invention in bra technology. It seems that lots of people want to tinker with what’s already a bit of a miracle of engineering. Some ideas show promise. For instance, there’s recently been buzz about the ‘bionic bra,’ which has sensors that cause the bra to automatically release and constrict depending on a woman’s activity level and the force exerted on the breasts. If it works, the bra would have all of the support features of a sports bra but then ‘relax’ when the wearer is not exercising. I see the upside of this, since sports bras are not meant to be worn all day every day, but I think many women want to change out of their workout clothes, including bra, after working up a sweat and may not plan to spend the entire day in a sports bra anyway.

Sensors in clothing may be the next big idea and companies are trying to build on the idea of a ‘smart bra.’ Several companies are working on a bra that can monitor heart rate. Microsoft is developing a bra that uses sensors to somehow track the triggers that cause overeating and then sends a warning message to your smart phone to step away from the fridge. Nestle’s has built a marketing campaign around a bra that sends a tweet every time you unclasp it, reminding you to do a breast self-exam. I don’t know about you, but I’m not so sure I want my bra nagging me about my habits.

Some innovations are just silly, or fun, depending on your point of view. A Japanese company is developing a bra that changes color, sort of like the mood ring of lingerie. Called the “Close Sister Bra,” it changes color when you come into contact with another woman wearing the same color bra. I’ve read about this a few times and still can’t quite figure out the point. Then there’s the bra that only unclasps if it senses that you are in love–a modern day chastity belt. How about bras that light up, are made entirely of Pez or have a handy drinks holder or, because you never know, a holster? There are, apparently, even talking bras. You can take a look at some bra oddities here.

The truth is that, even at its most basic and conventional, a bra can be a marvel of technology. Manufacturers are always coming up with new ways to improve the way a bra feels and what it can do. Even underwires were once considered a major innovation. The way that cups are formed, seaming, underwires, strap design–each element of a bra is a bit of an engineering marvel. Technology like circular knitting machines have made seamless construction possible and brought us seamless shapewear and panties. Breathable fabrics are used not only in active wear and sports bras, but in everyday bras, tops, base layers, panties and almost everything in the lingerie category. The introduction of spacer foam, which is knit with a top and bottom layer with filament in between, has literally taken a load off of our shoulders.

Even without the bells and whistles (literally, bells or whistles), there are constantly new developments in bra manufacturing. That little piece of clothing has a lot of work to do–supporting breast tissue, providing modesty, enhancing or minimizing what we’ve got and looking good in the process. Whether any of today’s more extreme innovations will catch on is anyone’s guess, but given the history of bra design, anything’s possible.